Violent clashes between supporters and opponents of Mubarak

Published February 2nd, 2011 - 15:24 GMT

Supporters of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday stormed into Tahrir Square, downtown Cairo and clashed with anti-government protesters.

Supporters of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday stormed into Tahrir Square, downtown Cairo and clashed with anti-government protesters, who demand the departure of the veteran leader. Scores of people were wounded.

The TV footage showed hundreds of Mubarak supporters armed with knives and sticks confronting with thousands of protestors.

For their part, three movements involved in the protest against Mubarak said in a statement that "security agents dressed in civilian clothes and a number of thugs broke into the Tahrir Square to intimidate the demonstrators in order to show that the Egyptian people is divided."

Opposition forces in Egypt have called on their supporters to continue demonstrating against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak, saying it would not negotiate with the new Vice President, Omar Suleiman, until Mubarak leaves power. Mubarak announced last night he would stay in office until September.

The opposition plans to hold "Fri departure," a demonstration called for next Friday, to mark departure of Mubarak from Egypt.